Africa’s ambitious infrastructure expansion drive, backed by more than $360 billion in planned investment, risks being slowed by a growing shortage of skilled construction project professionals, according to new research published by the Project Management Institute.
The warning comes as sub-Saharan Africa enters what analysts describe as a critical phase of infrastructure development, led by the Africa Infrastructure Development Programme, a continental initiative aimed at closing critical infrastructure gaps by 2040. The program targets more than 400 priority projects across energy, transport, information and communication technology, and cross-border water systems, with the aim of accelerating regional integration and long-term economic growth.
However, PMI’s latest report shows that delivery capacity may struggle to keep up with increased investment. The institute estimates that the region will face a 57 percent shortage of construction project professionals by 2035, making it one of the regions with the highest shortages worldwide.
Demand for construction project professionals across sub-Saharan Africa is expected to increase from around 260,000 in 2025 to more than 410,000 by 2035, creating a skilled labor shortage of nearly 150,000. PMI predicts that nearly 2.5 million additional construction project professionals will be needed worldwide over the same period to meet growing infrastructure needs.
This report highlights the contradictions at the heart of Africa’s development challenges. While construction remains a key driver of GDP growth and job creation, it is also the least efficient sector. PMI estimates that approximately 10% of global project investments are lost each year due to poor project performance. This number could represent billions of dollars in unrealized gains and losses for regions that are investing huge amounts of capital in infrastructure.
“Construction is at the heart of the region’s development goals,” said George Assamani, PMI’s managing director for sub-Saharan Africa. “From transport routes and energy infrastructure to housing, healthcare and digital connectivity, projects are how we build our future. But without the right project management capabilities, we risk delays, cost overruns and ultimately loss of value.”
Rapid population growth, urbanization, and expanding regional trade are accelerating infrastructure activity across the region. PMI has identified sub-Saharan Africa as recording the world’s fastest growth in demand for construction project professionals, with countries such as Ethiopia expected to see annual demand growth of around 7.8%.
Construction projects typically involve a complex ecosystem of stakeholders, including governments, regulators, contractors, financiers, communities, and international partners. The report says weak coordination and communication between these groups remains a challenge, often leading to inefficiencies, duplication of effort and costly project rework.
“Construction is highly visible and highly scrutinized,” Assamani said. “Public expectations rest on every bridge, hospital, and power plant. When a project fails, the consequences are not just economic, but social and political as well.”
PMI noted that the sector has historically lagged behind other industries in productivity and technology adoption. Digital tools such as building information modeling, digital twins, and artificial intelligence are considered increasingly important for improving efficiency, transparency, and project outcomes.
Employers across the region reported a lack of technical project management skills such as planning, scheduling, and resource optimization, as well as the leadership and collaboration capabilities needed to manage complex infrastructure ecosystems. At the same time, infrastructure financing is increasingly intertwined with environmental, social and governance requirements, creating a demand for project leaders who can embed sustainability into project delivery.
The institute said addressing the talent gap requires continued investment in professional development, improved working conditions and clearer career paths for new and mid-career professionals. Professional certifications and ongoing training programs are also expected to play a central role in building a resilient workforce capable of delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
“If we want infrastructure to become a real driver of GDP growth, we need to professionalize the way we deliver it,” Assamani added. “Training cannot be treated as a cost. It is an investment in the competitiveness of the country.”
